Term of Award
Spring 2022
Degree Name
Master of Arts in Social Sciences (M.A.)
Document Type and Release Option
Thesis (open access)
Copyright Statement / License for Reuse
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Department
Department of Sociology and Anthropology
Committee Chair
Chad Posick
Committee Member 1
April Schueths
Committee Member 2
Baker Rogers
Committee Member 3
Marieke Van Willigen
Committee Member 3 Email
mvanwilligen@georgiasouthern.edu
Abstract
Riverkeepers and environmental groups currently face the complex task of defending watersheds. In Georgia, these efforts are complicated by the vast geographical and racial diversity within the state. This study examined the riverkeepers and environmental groups need to improve advocacy abilities to defend communities they serve from poor water quality, what communities in Georgia are being impacted by poor water quality, what disconnects exist between riverkeepers, environmental groups, and governmental agencies, and how COVID-19 has challenged the riverkeepers and environmental groups. Using qualitative interviews with eleven riverkeepers and environmentalists, the findings suggest that collaboration with riverkeepers, enforcement of current policy, defending communities of color, and educating the public on water quality are all critical to maintaining watersheds in Georgia. Minoritized groups, instances of environmental racism, and other challenges presented barriers to water conservation. The riverkeepers and environmental groups provided strategies to address these barriers and improve water quality.
OCLC Number
1388667306
Catalog Permalink
https://galileo-georgiasouthern.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/permalink/01GALI_GASOUTH/1r4bu70/alma9916564850602950
Recommended Citation
Crawford, Jacob A., “The Perspective of Riverkeepers and Environmental Groups on Poor Water Quality in Georgia” (2022).
Research Data and Supplementary Material
No
